Moment #11: Track and Field Cracks Top-25Men's track and field listed among nation's best for first time since 1996

SFA men's track and field garnered its first national ranking since 1996 prior to the start of the 2014 NCAA Championships

July 15, 2014

It was another successful athletic season for Stephen F. Austin in 2013-14, capped by memorable games, incredible performances, championship efforts and moments that will be remembered for years to come. To close out the 2013-14 season, SFAJacks.com will count down the top 15 moments of the past year as voted on by the SFA administrative staff and media representatives. A new moment will be revealed each Tuesday and Friday, counting down to the top moment of the year on Tuesday, August 19th.

MOMENT #11: Men's Track and Field Cracks the Top-25

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – It was another successful year for the Stephen F. Austin track and field program, one that saw the Lumberjacks accomplish something they have not done since 1996.

With a handful of the top performances in the nation, the men’s track and field team entered the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships ranked No. 24 in the nation by the USTFCCCA.

The Lumberjacks qualified for the championship meet in five events after a strong showing at the NCAA West Preliminary Rounds in Arkansas. With SFA headed to Eugene, Oregon, in the long jump, pole vault, 400 meters, 400 meter hurdles and 4x400 meter relay, the Lumberjacks proved to be not only among the best mid-majors but among the top teams in the nation.

The USTFCCCA Rankings take into account the performance of every athlete and uses a formula to come up with rankings based on the performance, mark and standing in each event. Heading into the national championship meet, the Lumberjacks were counted among the best in the nation.

SFA’s five entries at the championship meet was the same as traditional power UCLA and bettered many other well-known programs in the world of track and field.

The Lumberjacks did not disappoint on the big stage, either.

Josh Taylor came away with a seventh-place finish in the 400 meter hurdles to highlight the performances for SFA at the championship meet.

The last time SFA’s men were ranked in the Top 25, was following the 1996 NCAA Championship when the Lumberjacks tied for 22nd place.